Android Widget for Mach-E [Less Complex]

[phil]

I was unable to install this on Android 9. I enabled sideloading files, downloaded 21.93MB file, but installation says only "There was a problem parsing the package".

I'd appreciate any suggestions (including "just give up, your phone is too old"), or knowing if anyone has gotten this to work on Android 9.

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[SteveJo]

... "There was a problem parsing the package".

That's grounds for divorce in sixteen states.

 

[mkhuffman]

I was unable to install this on Android 9. I enabled sideloading files, downloaded 21.93MB file, but installation says only "There was a problem parsing the package".

I'd appreciate any suggestions (including "just give up, your phone is too old"), or knowing if anyone has gotten this to work on Android 9.

Does the file name have the "apk" extension? I had to rename the extension on mine because it was "bin" instead of "apk".

 

[phil]

Does the file name have the "apk" extension? I had to rename the extension on mine because it was "bin" instead of "apk".

Yes, it downloads with a .apk file extension.

 

[kennelh]

I was unable to install this on Android 9. I enabled sideloading files, downloaded 21.93MB file, but installation says only "There was a problem parsing the package".

I'd appreciate any suggestions (including "just give up, your phone is too old"), or knowing if anyone has gotten this to work on Android 9.

I've not tested it on Android 9; the minimum SDK I'd set up for was 10. I can try build targeting 9 tomorrow and build a virtual device to test it on.

 

[kennelh]

I added the Paypal link yesterday largely for the F-150 users, to help pay for the purchase of graphic elements (there are a lot of variations on the F-150). On the Mach-E side, I've personally only purchase one graphic which may someday make it into the app. Since I will donate any unused funds to charity anyway, feel free to cut out the middle man and donate to a charity yourself (and get the tax deduction).

I don't intend to backtrack on this commitment, but wanted to note one exception. A user asked about publishing the app on Google Play. I posted an explanation on the F-150 forums:

There are two reasons I'm reluctant to try publishing on the Play Store.

1. This is the only app I've written for public use, and to publish on the Play Store is a one-time $25 registration fee. I don't mind giving it away for free, but spending $25 to give it away for free... #economics. In addition.....
2. Since this isn't an official Ford product, I really didn't want to spend $25 just to discover whether Google would say "Ummm, nuh-uh".

These are also the reasons I'd rather not spend PayPal donations for that; I'd rather spend donations on elements for the app I know I can use (and based on my post above, I believe I only need more funds to purchase a CAD drawing of the current Raptor to have all four models). If people want to donate funds specifically earmarked for that, then we could collectively try this Google experiment.

Someone suggested I look into F-Droid, and I did briefly, but I didn't see an obvious way to submit a project for consideration. If someone else has the time and motivation to find out what's involved to do that, I'll all for it.

So if anyone would like to support an attempt to release via the Play Store, that would be a reason to donate.

 

[kennelh]

I was unable to install this on Android 9. I enabled sideloading files, downloaded 21.93MB file, but installation says only "There was a problem parsing the package".

I'd appreciate any suggestions (including "just give up, your phone is too old"), or knowing if anyone has gotten this to work on Android 9.

I just pushed a version with the minimum SDK for Android 9. I ran it through some quick tests on a virtual device and everything seemed to work, so you can give it a field test on real hardware.

 

[phil]

I just pushed a version with the minimum SDK for Android 9. I ran it through some quick tests on a virtual device and everything seemed to work, so you can give it a field test on real hardware.

Absolutely! I can confirm that the new apk did install on Android 9. I will check it out and report back as soon as time permits.

Much appreciated, thanks kennelh!

 

[zhackwyatt]

I wasn't sure because even when I went into the app and requested a refresh, it wouldn't update. I set the battery settings to unrestricted so I'll see what happens.

Yeah, so my widget will only ever update once, right after I enter the login credentials. No kabuki dance after that will update it except for re-entering credentials. I have not selected save credentials.

 

[phil]

Absolutely! I can confirm that the new apk did install on Android 9. I will check it out and report back as soon as time permits.

Much appreciated, thanks kennelh!

Just started to test, but it looks good so far:

• Status and update information is reported and refreshes
• Lock and unlock commands work
• Start might work - widget says "command successful", but I'm not real clear on what remote start is actually supposed to do.
• Car is currently plugged in and waiting to charge when rates go down at night. The widget correctly shows green plugged status, but the gray battery may not be quite right - seems like it should be yellow for "paused", or red for "not charging". Or maybe gray is correct for "waiting"?

Very cool. Thanks for taking the time to support my very old Android version!

 

[kennelh]

• Start might work - widget says "command successful", but I'm not real clear on what remote start is actually supposed to do

For what it's worth, my remote start has never worked either. Makes testing difficult ?

 

[CHeil402]

For what it's worth, my remote start has never worked either. Makes testing difficult ?

I can at least say that my remote start works and does the same thing as holding the start button in the FordPass app. I actually prefer the widget over FordPass as their remote start has about a 15 second delay before confirming it worked.

 

[lemmyslender]

I haven't tried the remote start for several versions. As Chris said it works just like the FordPass button. However, unlike FordPass, double tapping a second time adds 15 minutes instead of shutting the car off.

 

[mpshizzle]

@phil @kennelh

You mentioned your remote start doesn't work. I used to have a similar issue. TDLR, Remote start only worked for me within Bluetooth range or within 5 minutes of parking. Does this sound like your case?

Ran the TCU provisioning routine in FDRS and that fixed it

 

[kennelh]

Version 2022.03.03 uploaded. This version has one change of interest to Mach-E owners. I've added the ability to capture logging data locally to a file, so logcats should no longer be needed in most circumstances. To use it, enable logging in Settings, then when you want to send me the log output, save the file from the three-dot menu. It will copy the file to your Download folder. The Ford credentials are wiped before being logged, so you don't need to worry about that.

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